At the beginning of a new era for the Macao SAR, the Government would advocate scientific policy-making and build an even more transparent administration, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, pledged today. Delivering his first Policy Address for the Fiscal Year 2010 to the Legislative Assembly, Mr Chui announced that a policy research office, directly under his supervision, would be established to streamline policy-making and be responsible for gathering opinion from public entities, consultative committees, academic institutions and organisations. In addition to the newly-established spokesperson system, the Government would review the Publication Law and Broadcasting Law this year to better uphold publication freedom and facilitate access to information. And based on the existing legal framework and norms, the Government would regulate the accountability of officials at all levels and define their political, administrative and legal responsibilities. The Government would also review the present system to require the adequate disclosure of assets by senior officials. A designated working group would be formed to draft the law for the Legislative Assembly’s approval, he said. Speaking on public finance, Mr Chui said the Government would formalise the usage of financial reserves and ensure that in the future its use would be subject to Legislative Assembly approval. On relieving the hardships of the financially-challenged, the Government would ensure the construction of public housing is on schedule and open for application regularly. The Government would also give residents another round of cash subsidies similar to that of last year, which was 6,000 patacas for permanent residents, 3,600 patacas for residents, and 500 patacas coupons for medical services. The 150 patacas a month electricity charge subsidy for all households would also be extended for another year. On public healthcare, the Government would increase its input to build an even better medical system, including a new hospital on Taipa/Coloane island. Moreover, it would work on a plan on primary healthcare for next decade to enhance the entire public health system. To ensure food safety, the Government would establish a food safety centre under the administration of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, to co-ordinate the work in this area. The Government would launch a review of the residency policy in order to attract professionals and talents who could contribute to the upgrading of Macao’s industries and sustainable developments. The administration would also accelerate the passing of a Cultural Heritage Protection Law to better protect the unique cultural features of Macao. On the economy, he said the Government would set up a commission on cultural industry and establish a foundation to support local creative work. Moreover, there will be a Conference and Exhibition Industry Development Commission and a designated department to facilitate the development of the conference and exhibition industry. In line with the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, the Government would put Taiwan-related affairs on its policy agenda and establish a formal communication mechanism with Taiwan to promote co-operation. The Government was committed to fostering Macao-Taiwan exchanges in all fields, including trade, commerce, tourism, culture and education with the ultimate goal of contributing to the peaceful reunification of the nation. On regional co-operation, Mr Chui said Macao would strengthen co-operation with Guangdong and Hong Kong, especially on industries such as conference and exhibition, culture, traditional Chinese medicine, logistics and education. Mr Chui will attend a plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly to answer questions raised from legislators tomorrow.
